In Flower This Week

Banksias continue to flower, wattles and grevilleas are seen to be bursting
into flower and many other plants are still awaiting the warmer spring
climate. This walk will include mostly the first three.

First see, the array of plants in the large pots outside the Visitor
Centre doors. View the bright red trumpet-shaped flowers of Rhododendron
lactum x lochiae; the Kangaroo Paw, Anigozanthos manglesii
with unbranched, woolly maroon stems and red and green flowers and Mirbelia
speciosa subsp. speciosa with brilliant purple pea flowers
along its straggly branches.

Branch off at Banksia spinulosa var. collina[Section
28], a medium, rounded shrub bearing long, lemon flower-spikes with fine,
needle foliage. Nearby is Banksia oblongifolia [Section 27]
with deep green flower-spikes. Walk among the lovely, old mottled white
and grey trunks of the Brittle Gum, Eucalyptus mannifera subsp.
mannifera [Sections 27, 28]. A prostrate form of Grevillea
lanigera [Section 27] is quite dense with a covering of red flowers.
Sit awhile and admire Banksia ericifolia var. ericifolia
[Section 28], of medium size and always with tall, dazzling, golden flower-spikes.
This shrub will attract the nectar-feeding birds such as the Eastern Spinebill,
the New Holland Honeyeater and even the brilliant Crimson Rosella.

Nearby Banksia occidentalis [Section 28] with tall, mottled
trunks has eye-catching flower spikes of lemon accentuated with red, hooked
styles. Compare a hybrid form of Grevillea juniperina [Section
27] and Grevillea rosmarinifolia [Section 27]. Both have
similar red spider-like flowers. Banksia integrifolia var. compar
[Section 27] is a tall, graceful shrub with lemon flower spikes, dotted
with grey, set among the smooth, shiny, silver-backed leaves. The light
grey, fissured bark is also interesting. Over the road, set among the greenery,
the splash of brilliant yellow flowers is that of the Cootamundra Wattle,
Acacia baileyana [Section 192] ... quite a sight.

Returning, keep an eye out for a gardener with rake for accompanying
him will surely be a Yellow Robin, or three, awaiting an easy meal ...